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4 Probiotic Masks That Nourish Skin + Fight Acne

We’ve all heard the commercials about how the probiotics in yogurt are good for our tummies. But those good bacteria are doing more than just improving your gut health. When the digestive track gets out of balance, the immune system responds, creating internal inflammation that can break down collagen and trigger skin eruptions.

Doctors are now using probiotic supplements and a daily dose of yogurt to treat acne and rosacea. And those ‘live active cultures’ are not just showing promise on the inside. Acne patients have been experimenting with Greek yogurt face masks and finding that they have fewer acne outbreaks and better skin texture. Used topically, some strains of probiotics can kill the acne-causing bacteria hiding in your pores.

So grab a yogurt snack and try one of these nourishing yogurt mask recipes for your face, body and hair.

4 Yogurt Mask Recipes for Face, Body and Scalp

Calming Cucumber Yogurt Mask

This recipe, adapted from Redbook, calms skin with naturally anti-inflammatory cucumbers and additional probiotics to nourish your skin microbiome. According to dermatologist Amy Wechsler, the high levels of caffeic acid in cucumbers reduce swelling and inflammation. This mask feels especially good after a day spent in the sun.

1/2 Cucumber, Pureed

2 Tablespoons of Plain Yogurt

1 Probiotic Capsule

Combine the ingredients in a small bowl and apply to a clean face with clean hands. Avoid the eye area. Leave the mask on for 15 minutes and then rinse with warm water. Follow with toner and moisturizer.

Blueberry Antioxidant Mask

The natural alpha hydroxy acids in lemon juice and yogurt help gently slough off dead skin while the probiotics target the bacteria that can cause zits. The vitamin C in blueberries supports collagen production, while the antioxidant polyphenols combat the effects of wrinkle-producing free radicals.

10 Organic Blueberries, Mashed

1 Tablespoon Plain Greek Yogurt

1 Teaspoon Fresh Lemon Juice

Mash the blueberries together with a spoon and then stir in the Greek yogurt and lemon juice. Apply the mask to a clean face with clean fingers and let it do its magic for 15-20 minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water and follow with toner and moisturizer.

Probiotic Body Polish

Brown sugar granules gently exfoliate while the lactic acid in yogurt dissolves dead skin. Olive oil and honey soothe and moisturize skin. You can use this scrub on your body as well as your face if you go easy on the scrubbing.

1 Cup Brown Sugar

1/2 Cup Olive Oil

1/2 Cup Greek Yogurt

2 Tablespoons Honey

Combine ingredients in a small bowl and stir to combine. Use fingers to apply to clean skin. Massage into skin using circular motions and then rinse.

Protein Hair Mask

The lactic acid in this yogurt mask cleanses the scalp, while the yogurt proteins nourish and strengthen the hair. Honey and olive oil both lock in moisture and prevent dryness.

2 Tablespoons Plain Yogurt

1 1/2 Tablespoons Raw, Organic Honey

1/2 Teaspoon Olive Oil

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Massage into scalp and work through to the ends, leaving the mask on for at least 15 minutes before shampooing.